ÆTHRA vs Strudel (in short):
ÆTHRA is output-oriented: you write a script → run it → get a WAV file.
Strudel is performance-oriented: it’s browser-based live coding focused on real-time pattern manipulation.
Key differences:
Export
ÆTHRA has built-in WAV export (one click).
Strudel doesn’t natively export audio files; users usually record output manually.
Execution model
ÆTHRA renders audio offline (deterministic, no glitches).
Strudel runs in real time via the Web Audio API.
Use cases
ÆTHRA: game music, background scores, generative assets, scripting music like code.
Strudel: live coding, experimentation, performance.
Environment
ÆTHRA runs locally (currently Windows).
Strudel runs entirely in the browser.
Both tools are free, and they’re not trying to solve the same problem. ÆTHRA is meant to feel closer to a music compiler, while Strudel feels closer to a live instrument.
ÆTHRA is early (v0.8), but it already supports tempo, ADSR, chords, scales, loops, echo/reverb, live preview, and WAV export. I will update AETHRA soon and make it very powerful to reach v1.0